Apparatus for separating pelletized lead or the like from granular compositions such as soil

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for separating pelletized material or relatively high specific gravity from a heterogeneous granular material of relatively low specific gravity which includes a blower having inlet and outlet, a duct communicating with the outlet of the blower and having the opposite end thereof extending upwardly from the blower, a plurality of spaced parallel bars extending across the duct and secured thereto, a conduit communicating with the duct at a point above the bars for conveying a mixture of the pelletized material and the heterogeneous granular material into the duct, a receptacle communicating with the duct at a point below the bars for receiving and holding the pelletized material which has been separated from the granular material and a motor connected to the blower for driving the blower and causing air to be blown thereby through the duct and over the bars. There is further disclosed a frame upon which the previously described apparatus is supported and which further carries a scoop for engaging the surface of the ground, a conveyor for conveying the mixture of granular material and pelletized material scooped from the ground in an upward direction, and a sifting apparatus for separating excessively large and excessively small pieces or particles of the granular material from the mixture of the granular material and the pelletized material as the mixture passes therethrough from the conveyor to the conduit.

United States Patent Hinson 1 Oct. 10, 1972 FROM GRANULAR COMPOSITIONSSUCH AS SOIL [72] lnventor: James L. Hinson, Arkansas City,

Kans.

[73] Assignee: Three Way, Inc., Oklahoma City,

Okla.

[22] Filed: Jan. 4, 1972 [21] App1.No.: 215,362

[52] U.S.Cl. ..l7l/l7 [51] lnt.Cl. ..A0ld 17/02 [58] FieldofSearch..l7l/17, 24, 14,117; 209/36, 209/37, 30,.31, 247, 261

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,535,801 12/1950 La Pointe..l7l/l7 2,72l,656 l0/1955 Goodwin ..209/36 2,756,978 7/1956 Wachsmith..l7l/l7 2,808,929 lO/1957 Fisher ..209/36 3,140,254 7/1964 Katzen..209/30 3,348,676 10/1967 Karlsson et al. ..209/30 PrimaryExaminer-Antonio F. Guida AttorneyJerry J. Dunlap et al.

57 ABSTRACT An apparatus for separating pelletized material orrelatively high specific gravity from a heterogeneous granular materialof relatively low specific gravity which includes a blower having inletand outlet, a duct communicating with the outlet of the blower andhaving the opposite end thereof extending upwardly from the blower, aplurality of spaced parallel bars extending across the duct and securedthereto, a conduit communicating with the duct at a point above the barsfor conveying a mixture of the pelletized material and the heterogeneousgranular material into the duct, a receptacle communicating with theduct at a point below the bars for receiving and holding the pelletizedmaterial which has been separated from the granular material and a motorconnected to the blower for driving the blower and causing air to beblown thereby through the duct and over the bars. There is furtherdisclosed a frame upon which the previously described apparatus issupported and which further carries a scoop for engaging the surface ofthe ground, a conveyor for conveying the mixture of granular materialand pelletized material scooped from the ground in an upward direction,and a sifting apparatus for separating excessively large and excessivelysmall pieces or particles of the granular material from the mixture ofthe granular material and the pelletized material as the mixture passestherethrough from the conveyor to the conduit.

8 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 247 50 alorao m r 244 m' "ii 254 24a 'areAPPARATUS FOR SEPARATING PELLETIZED LEAD OR THE LIKE FROM GRANULARCOMPOSITIONS SUCH AS SOIL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of theInvention This invention relates generally to apparatus for separatingpelletized material of relatively high specific gravity from aheterogeneous granular material of relatively low specific gravity. Moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates toapparatus for separating pelletized lead from a heterogeneous granularcomposition of soil.

2. Description of the Prior Art Due to the popularity of skeet and trapshooting among shotgunners, many skeet and trap shooting ranges havebeen created across the country. One factor which has limited growth inthe popularity of this hobby in the past has been the expense ofpurchasing sufficient ammunition for its pursuit by the shotgunner ofmodest means. One solution to the expense of purchase of ammunition hasbeen the reloading of shotgun ammunition thereby permitting the multipleuse of shot shells resulting in a marked decrease in the expense ofshotgun ammunition. However, a significant expense to the shot shellreloader is the purchase of shot gun pellets which are normally notreusable because of their dispersion over the shooting range afterfiring the shotgun. Up to now no satisfactory method has been devisedfor salvaging the lead shot dispersed on the ground of a skeet or trapshooting range for reuse in reloaded shot shells. The relatively tinysize of the lead shot has made it most difficult, in the past, toseparate the shot from the soil in an economical manner which would makeit feasible to reuse the shot in reloaded shot shells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally contemplates anapparatus for separating pelletized material of relatively high specificgravity from a heterogeneous granular material of relatively lowspecific gravity, comprising a blower having an inlet portion and anoutlet portion. A duct communicates at one end thereof with the outletportion of the blower and the opposite end thereof extends upwardly fromthe blower. A plurality of spaced parallel bars extend transverselyacross the duct and are secured thereto. Conduit means communicates withthe duct at a point above the bars for conveying a mixture of thepelletized material and the heterogeneous granular material into theduct. Receptacle means communicates with the duct at a point below thebars for receiving and holding the pelletized material which has beenseparated from the granular material. Driving means is connected to theblower for driving the blower and causing air to be blown thereby fromthe outlet portion thereof through the duct and over the bars.

One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forseparating pelletized material of relatively high specific gravity froma heterogeneous granular material of relatively low specific gravity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forseparating pelletized lead or the like from granular compositions suchas soil which is simple in construction and economical in operation.

One other object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus forseparating pelletized lead or the like from granular compositions suchas soil which is readily adjustable for use under various terrainconditions.

The foregoing and additional objects and advantages of the presentinvention will be more apparent as the following detailed description isread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a right side elevation viewof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view illustrating theinstallation of a receptacle assembly in the receptacle support of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along line7--7 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG.4.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG.2.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view more clearlyillustrating the construction of a typical rock shaft mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED l EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings,and to FIGS. 1-5 in particular, the apparatus of the present inventionis generally designated by the reference character 10. The apparatus 10comprises a frame assembly 12, a conveyor assembly 14, a separatorassembly 16, a receptacle assembly 18, a drive assembly 20, and a draftand steering assembly 22.

The frame assembly 12 comprises a longitudinal center frame member 24having a transverse rear axle 26 rigidly secured to the rear portion 28thereof. A front axle carrier 30 is fixedly secured to the front portion32 of the frame member 24. A front axle 34 is pivotally secured at itsmid portion to the front axle carrier 30 and is adapted to pivot about avertical axis as best shown in FIG. 5. Wheel carriers 36 and 38 aretelescopically mounted in the respective opposite ends of the rear axle26 as shown in FIG. 4. A wheel 40 is journaled on each wheel carrier 36and 38 on the rear axle 26. Similarly, wheel carriers 36 and 38 aretelescopically mounted on the respective opposite ends of the front axle34. A wheel 40 is journaled on each wheel carrier 36 and 38 on the frontaxle 34.

Each wheel carrier 36 and 38 is secured to a respective axle by means ofa vertically oriented pin 42 which passes downwardly through a pair ofaligned apertures 44 formed in the respective axle and through a pair ofmating aligned apertures 46 formed in the respective wheel carrier 36 or38. Each wheel carrier 36 and 38 has a plurality of pairs of alignedapertures 46 formed therein in laterally spaced relation. Thus, byselecting the particular pair of aligned apertures 46 desired andplacing those apertures 46 in vertical alignment with the apertures 44and placing the pin 42 therethrough, the lateral distance between thewheels 40 or either axle 26 or 34 may be varied to suit a particularneed. This particular arrangement is most helpful when it is desirableto have a wide track between the wheels 40 to provide stability for theapparatus in operation while, at the same time, providing minimum trackwidth between the wheels v40 when storing the apparatus when not in use.

Each wheel carrier. 36 and 38 includes a rock shaft mechanism 48 forproviding height adjustment of the frame assembly 12 relative to theground at each wheel 40. The mechanism 48 will be described in greater Idetail hereinafter.

A receptacle support 50 is fixedly secured to the center frame member 24at itsmedial portion and extends horizontally outward therefrom.Extending upwardly from the center frame member 24 are a pair ofparallel pins 52. An extension bar 54 is supported by the center framemember 24 when not in use and is retained in position by means of thepins 52 which extend upwardly through matching holes formed in theextension bar 54. The function of the extension bar 54 will be explainedmore fully hereinafter.

The conveyor assembly 14 comprises a conveyor chute 56 having a lowerend portion 58 and an upper end portion 60. The upper end portion 60 ofthe conveyor chute 56 is supported by a pair of vertically orientedsupport rods 62 each of which is secured at the lower end 64 thereof tothe rear axle 26 and at the upper end 66 thereof to the upper endportion 60 of the conveyor chute 56. The support rods 62 are suitablycross braced by means of a plate 68 welded, or otherwise suitablysecured, to the medial portions of the support rods 62 to providerigidity. The lower end portion 58 of the conveyor chute 56 is fixedlysecured to the front portion 70 of the front axle carrier 30. See FIG.5.

A scoop 72 is formed on the lower end portion of the conveyor chute 56and extends downwardly therefrom to a position proximate to the groundsurface. It will be readily apparent that by adjusting the four rockshaft mechanisms 48, the scoop 72 can be adjusted vertically to engagethe ground surface at various depths or be raised a distance above theground surface.

A transverse shaft .74 extends horizontally across the lower end portion58 of the conveyor chute 56 and is journaled therein. A roller 76 isjournaled on the shaft 74 and is free to rotate thereon about ahorizontal axis. A second transverse shaft 78 extends horizontallyacross the upper end portion 60 of the conveyor chute 56 and isjournaled thereon. A roller 80 iskeyed to the transverse shaft 78 and isadapted to rotate therewith about a horizontal axis. A sheave 82 iskeyed to one end portion 84 of the shaft 78 and a second sheave 86 iskeyed to the opposite end portion 88 of the shaft 78.

An. endless conveyor belt 90 extends around the rollers 76 and 80 and issupported thereby within the conveyor chute 56. The conveyor belt'90frictionally engages the outer periphery of the roller 80 so thatrotational movement of the roller 80 is imparted to the conveyor belt 90in a manner which will be described in greater detail hereinafter. Theconveyor belt 90 includes a plurality of buckets or vanes 92 formed onthe outer periphery thereof and extending outwardly therefrom. As bestshown in FIG. 5, the downwardly extending buckets 92 are positionedadjacent to the floor or base 94 of the conveyor chute 56.

The floor 94 of the conveyor chute 56 comprises a lower portion 96 andan upper portion 98. The lower portion 96 is preferably constructed of20 guage galvanized sheet steel while the upper portion 98 is preferablyconstructed of 3/16 inch by 11 guage galvanized wire cloth. The upperportion 98 therefore provides a first screen for purposes which will bedescribed in detail hereinafter.

An accumulator 100 is fixedly secured to the conveyor chute 56 andextends beneath the upper portion 98 thereof. The accumulator 100comprises an open frame 102 which includes a closed upper end plate 104,and a closed lower end plate 106. A screen 108, having a substantiallyU-shaped cross-section, is supported by the frame 102 beneath the upperportion 98 of the floor 94 of the conveyor chute 56. The screen 108 ispreferably constructed of two plys comprising one ply of V4 inchgalvanized steel hardware cloth which, in turn, supports a second ply ofconventional standard screen wire. An aperture 110 is formed in thelower portion of the accumulator 100adjacent to the closed lower endplate 106. A conduit 112 communicates at its upper end portion 1 14 withthe aperture 1 10 and extends downwardly therefrom. The conduit 112 ispreferably formed from galvanized sheet steel and is preferablyrectangular in cross-section although other cross-sectional shapes maybe utilized if desired. A second aperture 1 16 is formed in the lowerend portion 118 of the conduit 112 for purposes which will be describedin detail hereinafter.

The separator assembly 16 iscarried by the frame 12 and comprises aconventional centrifugal blower 1.20 mounted on the lower end portion 58of the conveyor chute 56. The. blower 120 includes a drive shaft 122journaled on the conveyor chute 56 and extending horizontally across thelower portion 58 thereof. A suitable air filter 124 is carried by thecentrifugal blower 120 in communication with the inlet 126 thereof. Theair filter 124 is preferably constructed of galvanized sheet steel andconventional standard screen wire.

A duct 128 communicates at its lower end portion 130 with the air outlet132 of the blower 120. The duct 128 extends rearwardly and slightlydownwardly from the outlet 132 to its lowermost portion 134. The duct128 extends substantially upwardly and slightly rearwardly from thelowermost portion 134 to its upper end portion 136. The duct 128 ispreferably constructed of galvanized sheet steel and is preferablysubstantially rectangular in cross-section.

A slot 138 is formed in the lowermost portion 134 of the duct 128 andextends transversely across substantially the full width of the duct128. A venturi assembly 140 comprising a plurality of spaced parallelbars 142 is mounted within the duct 128 between the lowermost portion134 and the upper end portion 136 thereof.

The spaced parallel bars 142 lie in a plane which is substantiallynormal to the longitudinal axis of the duct 128 at the point of theirinstallation. The venturi assembly 140 provides a substantial reductionin crosssectional area of the duct 128 along the plane in which thespaced parallel bars 142 lie. The venturi assembly 140 further comprisesa pair of plates 144 disposed on opposite sides of the duct 128 throughwhich the opposite ends of each bar 142 respectively extend. The plates144 thereby retain the spaced parallel bars 142 in the proper spacedparallel relation. A pair of slots 146 are formed in the duct 128through which the bars 142 of the venturi assembly 140 extend to connectwith the plates 144. A pair of threaded bolts 148 extend through therespective outermost parallel bars 142 to rigidly secure the venturiassembly 140 to the duct 128. The aperture 116 of the conduit 112communicates with a mating aperture 149 formed in the duct 128 at apoint just above the venturi assembly 140. See FIG. 9.

The drive assembly is mounted on the conveyor assembly 14 carried by theframe assembly 12. The drive assembly 20 comprises a motor 150, a clutchassembly 152, a pair of first drive V-belts 154, a second drive V-belt156, a third drive V-belt 158, a drive shaft 160, and a power winch 162.

The motor 150 is fixedly secured to a motor mount 164 which is in turnpivotally secured at its rear margin 166 to the conveyor chute 56 byhinge connection 168. The hinge connection 168 permits the motor mount164 with the motor 150 attached thereto to swing vertically about ahorizontal axis. The forward edge 170 of the motor mount 165 issupported by means of the clutch assembly 152.

The clutch assembly 152 comprises a first clutch link 172which ispivotally secured at one end thereof to the conveyor chute 56 by meansof the hinge connection 174. The opposite end of the first clutch link172 is pivotally secured to one end of a second clutch link 176 by meansof hinge connection 178. The opposite end of the second clutch link 176is pivotally secured to one end of a threaded rod 180 by means of hingeconnection 182. The threaded rod 180 extends upwardly from the hingeconnection 182 through a vertically aligned cylindrically shapedaperture 184 formed in a bracket 186 which is fixedly secured to theforward edge 170 of the motor mount 164. The threaded rod 180 isadjustably secured to the bracket 186 by means of a pair of locking nuts188 which are threadedly secured to the rod 180 respectively above andbelow the bracket 186. It will be readily apparent that, by adjustingthe position of the locking nuts 188 on the rod 180, the distancebetween the hinge connection 182 and the bracket 186 may be suitablyadjusted. A clutch actuating arm 190 is fixedly secured to the medialportion of the second clutch link 176 by suitable means, such aswelding, and extends generally forward therefrom in perpendicularalignment with the clutch link 176.

The clutch assembly 152 further includes a clutch and motor mount stop192 which is fixedly secured to the conveyor chute 56 rearwardly fromthe hinge connection 174 and in substantial alignment with the clutchlinks 172 and 176. The stop 192 comprises a forwardly extending clutchlinkage stop 194 and an upwardly extending motor mount stop 196. Thefunctions of the stops 194 and 196 will be explained in detailhereinafter.

A pair of V-belt sheaves 198 are keyed to the motor propeller shaft 200.A second pair of V-belt sheaves 202 are keyed to the blower drive shaft122. The pair of V-belts 154 drivingly interconnect the sheaves 198 andthe sheaves 202 whereby rotary motion of the propeller shaft 200 may beimparted to the blower drive shaft 122. A third sheave 204 is also keyedon the blower drive shaft 122. The sheave 82 is keyed on one end portion84 of the transverse shaft 78 as previously described. The V-belt 156drivingly interconnects the sheave 204 and the sheave 82 whereby rotarymotion of the blower drive shaft 122 is imparted to the transverse shaft78. It will be readily apparent that the previously described sheaves198, 202, 204 and 82 and the V-belts 154 and 156, while comprising apreferred construction, may be replaced by other suitable drive meanssuch as sprockets and drive chains.

The drive shaft is journaled at one end 208 in bracket 210 mounted onthe conveyor chute 56. The opposite end 202 of the drive shaft 160 issupported by and drivingly connected to the power winch 162 which ismounted on the conveyor chute 56 adjacent the lower end portion 58thereof. A sheave 214 is keyed to the end portion 208 of the drive shaft160. The V-belt 158 drivingly interconnects the sheave 86 and the sheave214 whereby rotary motion of the transverse shaft 78 is imparted to thedrive shaft 160.

In operation, the motor 150 rotates the propeller shaft 200 in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2. When the clutch assembly152 is engaged and the motor 150 is running, counterclockwise rotationis imparted to the blower drive shaft 122 and the transverse shaft 78 bymeans of the previously described sheaves and V-belts as viewed in FIG.2. When the clutch assembly 152 is engaged, the elements thereof are inthe relative positions shown in FIG. 5. The clutch actuating arm is inits lowermost position and the clutch links 172 and 176 abut the clutchlinkage stop 194 at the hinge connection 178. When in this position, theclutch assembly 152 urges the motor mount 164 upwardly about its hingeconnection 168 with the conveyor chute 56. This action increases thedistance between the centerlines of the motor propeller shaft 200 andthe blower drive shaft 122 thereby tensioning and causing the frictionalengagement of the V-belts 154 with the respective sheaves 198 and 202thereby permitting the rotational movement of the propeller shaft 200 tobe imparted to the blower drive shaft 122, the transverse shaft 78, andthe drive shaft 160.

The clutch assembly 152 is placed in the disengaged position by movingthe clutch actuating arm 190 upwardly thereby causing the hingeconnection 178 to move forward relative to the apparatus 10. When thehinge connection 178 moves forwardly past an imaginary line extendingthrough the hinge connections 174 and 182, the clutch assembly 152reaches an overcenter position thereby allowing the motor mount 164 topivot downwardly about its hinge connection 168 until it rests on themotor mount stop 196. When in this position, the V-belts 154 are nolonger urged into frictional engagement with the sheaves 198 and 202thereby drivingly disengaging the motor 150 from the remainder of theapparatus 10.

The receptacle assembly 18 comprises an elongated hollow container 216preferably constructed of 14 guage sheet steel. As more clearly shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the container 216 includes a slot 218 formed in the topside 219 thereof. The slot 218 is substantially equal in size to theslot 138 formed in duct 128. An

outward from the hub 284 and a spindle 288 is secured thereto upon whicha wheel 40 is joumaled. The wheel 40 is retained by a cotter pin 290extending through the outer end of the spindle 288. A bracket 292 isformed on the hub 284 and an operating handle 294 is pivotally securedto the bracket 292 by a suitable bolt or pin at 296. A plate 298 isfixedly secured to the wheel carrier 36 adjacent to the hub 284 andextends radially outward from the wheel carrier 36. A plurality ofapertures 300 are formed in the plate 298 along an arcuate line, thecenter of each aperture 300 being radially equidistant from the axis ofthe wheel carrier 36. A stud 302, sized and shaped to slidingly fitwithin each aperture 300, is formed on the handle 294 adjacent to theplate298 and extends outwardly from the handle 294 toward the plate 298.The radial distance from the axis of the wheel carrier 36 to the axis ofthe stud 302 is substantially equal to the radial distance from the axisof the wheel carrier 36 to the arcuate center line through the apertures300. A compression spring 304 is disposed between the bracket 292 andthe handle 294 and continuously urges the stud 302 into engagement withthe plate 298. When the stud 302 is in registration with one of theapertures 300 on the spring 304 urges the stud 302 into the aperture300.

It is readily apparent that by pivoting the handle 294 about itsconnection 296 against the urging of the spring 304, the stud 302 willbe disengaged from the aperture 300 in the plate 298 thereby freeing thehub 284 to be rotatedon the wheel carrier 36 to adjust the wheel. 40relative to the frame assembly 12. To facilitate the manual adjustmentof the mechanism 48, the extension bar 54 may be slidably connected tothe upper end 306 of the handle 294 to provide additional leverage. Whennot in use, the extension bar 54 is carrier on the center frame member24 as described above. When the position of the wheel 40 relative to theframe assembly 12 is as desired, the handle is released and the stud 302engages an aperture 300 thereby locking the mechanism 48. v

lt'will be readily apparent that the mechanism 48 is also mounted onwheel carriers 38 with the arm extending the opposite direction from thehub, however, the construction is substantially identical to thatdescribed above and need not be recited again.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT To operate the apparatus of thepresent invention, the wheel carriers 36 and 38 are preferably fullyextended thereby providing the widest track on the front and rear axles34 and 26. The height of the frame assembly 12 is then adjusted sothatthe scoop 72 will engage the ground slightly below thesurface'thereof. The ground is preferably comprised of soil which hasbeen loosened by suitable means such as by dragging a harrow thereover.

The clutch assembly 152 is placed in the disengaged position by movingthe clutch actuating arm 190 upward thereby allowing the motor mount 164to rest on the motor mount stop 196. The motor 150 is then started. Themotor 150-is preferably a single cylinder gasoline powered engine ofsuitable horsepower. The cable 266 is unreeled from the winch 162 anddrawn forward through the loop 247 on the tongue 238 and secured to afixed object, such as a tree or stake, some distance in front of theapparatus 10.

The clutch assembly 152 is then engaged by moving the actuating arm 190downward until the hinge connection 178 bears against theclutch linkagestop 194. The motor 150 then simultaneously drives the centrifugalblower 120, the conveyor belt 90, and the power winch 162. The powerwinch 162 begins to retrieve the cable 266 and, as a direct result,draws the apparatus across the ground in the direction'of the fixedobject to which cable 266 is secured. The apparatus 10 is steered in thedirection of the fixed objectby means of the draft and steering assembly22 which, in response to the pull of the cable 266 extending throughtheloop 247, steers the front axle 34. As'the apparatus is drawn alongthe ground, the scoop 72 engages the loose soil and directs portionsthereof, upwardly within the scoop 72 toward the buckets or vanes 92 ofthe conveyor belt 90. The vanes 92 of the moving conveyor belt engagethe loose soil and move it upwardly along the floor 94 of the conveyorchute 56. When the soil reaches the upper portion 98 of the floor 94 afirst screening operation is thereby performed on the soil and thesmaller particles of the soil and the lead shot contained therein areallowed to pass downwardly through the wire mesh of the upper portion 98and drop downwardly into the accumulator 100. The larger pieces of soilwhich fail to pass downwardly through the screen in the upper portion 98are conveyed upwardly within the conveyor chute 56 by the conveyor 90and passed out the upper end portion 60 thereof and drop downwardly tothe ground.

The dust particles or, other extremely fine particles of the soil whichdrop into the accumulator 100 pass outwardly through the screen 108 thusleaving only the larger particles of soil and the lead shot mixedtherein. The larger particles of soil and the lead shot slide downwardlyalong the screen 108 to the aperture 110 formed in the accumulator 100where they drop downwardly into the conduit 112. The soil and lead shotcontinue down through the conduit 112 and pass through the aperture 116formed therein and the aperture 149 formed in the duct 128. At thispoint, the soil and the lead shot are within the duct 128 immediatelyabove the venturiassembly 140.

A stream of air flows through the duct 128 from the blower 120 andpasses upwardly through the venturi assembly 140. As the stream of airpasses through the venturi assembly 140, the air velocity and turbulenceat that point is substantially increased due to the reduction incross-sectional, area within the duct 128 at the venturi assembly 140.This increase in air velocity is sufficient to arrest the downwardmotion of the soil particles and to force the particles of soil upwardthrough the duct 128 to exit from the upper end portion l36thereof.However, the air velocity at the venturi assembly is not sufficient toforce the lead shot upwardly through the duct 128 because the lead shothas a much higher specific gravity than the accompanying soil. Theleadshot therefore falls downwardly through the venturi assembly 140 to thelowermost portion 134 of the duct 128 where the lead shot then fallsthrough the slot 138 formed therein.

When the lead shot falls through the slot 138 it also falls through theslot 218 communicating therewith which is formed in the container 216 ofthe receptacle assembly 18. The lead shot is retainedin the container216 of the receptacle assembly 18 until it is desired to empty thecontainer 216.

opening 220 is formed in the inner end 221 of the container 216. A cover222 is slidably disposed on the top side 219 of the container 216 and isadapted to slide longitudinally over the slot 218 to alternately fullyclose and fully open the slot 218. The cover 222 has an upwardlyextending tab 224 formed on one end thereof which engages the outersurface of the duct 128 when the receptacle assembly 18 is mounted onthe receptacle support 50.

When installed on apparatus 10, the receptacle assembly 18 is placed onthe receptacle support 50 and is slid inwardly thereon toward the centerframe member 24 until fully seated on the receptacle support 50. As thereceptacle assembly 18 is moved toward the center frame member 24 theupwardly extending tab 224 of the cover 222 engages the outer surface ofthe duct 128 thereby sliding the cover 222 to open the slot 218. Whenthe receptacle assembly 18 is fully seated on the receptacle support 50the slot 218 is completely open and communicates with the slot 138formed in the duct 128. A substantially air tight seal is providedbetween the slot 218 and the slot 138 by means of a pair of spongerubber strips 226 respectively secured to the duct 128 on each side ofthe slot 138. The opening 220 in the container 216 is closed by means ofan L-shaped closure member 228 which is vertically slidably mounted onthe inner end 221 of the container 216 adjacent to the center framemember 24. A Z-shaped clip 229 bridges between the upper end of theL-shaped closure member 228 and the top side 219 of the container 216. Athreaded stud 230 is suitably secured, as by welding, to the top side219 of the container 216 and extends upwardly through an aperture 231formed in the clip 229. A wing-nut 232 is threaded onto the stud 230 toretain the clip 229 in a proper position engaging and retaining theclosure member 228 in proper position to close the opening 220 in thecontainer 216. By turning the wing-nut 232 so as to thread it downwardlyon the stud 230, the Z-shaped clip 229 and the L- shaped closure member228 are forced downwardly relative to the container 216. A threaded stud233 is suitably secured, as by welding, to the closure member 228 andextends outwardly therefrom. When the receptacle assembly 18 is fullyseated in the receptacle support 50 the stud 233 extends through alignedapertures 234 formed in the support 50. A wing-nut 235 is threaded onthe stud 233 thereby retaining the container 216 in the receptaclesupport 50 with the slots 218 and 138 in communication.

A hand pull 236 is secured to the outer end of the container 216 tofacilitate the removal of the receptacle assembly 18 from the receptaclesupport 50. A carrying handle or bail 237 is pivotally secured to thecontainer 216 to provide convenient means for carrying the receptacleassembly 18 when removed from the receptacle support 50.

The draft and steering assembly 22 comprises a tongue 238 and a steeringlinkage 240. A skid 242 is fixedly secured to one end portion 244 of thetongue 238 and extends downwardly therefrom. A clevis 246 is alsofixedly secured to the end portion 244 to provide connecting means to adraft vehicle. A loop or eye, 247 is formed on the end portion 244 ofthe tongue 238 and extends upwardly therefrom. The opposite end portion248 of the tongue 238 is pivotally secured to a draft bracket 250 bymeans of hinge connection 252. The draft bracket 250 is pivotallysecured to a pair of brackets 254 which are fixedly secured to the scoop72. It is readily apparent that the draft bracket 250 is adapted topivot vertically about its pivotal connection with the brackets 254. Atongue arm 256 is fixedly secured at one end thereof to the medialportion of the tongue 238 and is pivotally secured at the opposite endthereof to one end of a link 258 by means of hinge connection 260. Theopposite end of the link 258 is pivotally secured to one end of a frontaxle arm 262 by means of hinge connection 264. The opposite end of thefront axle arm 262 is fixedly secured to the front axle 34.

It will be readily apparent in viewing FIG. 4 that lateral swingingmovement of the tongue 238 about the hinge connection 252 will cause acorresponding tuming movement of the front axle 34 about its pivotalconnection with the front axle carrier 30 in response thereto throughthe medium of the arms 256 and 262 and the link 258. The skid 242 isshaped such that when the tongue 238 is otherwise unsupported, the skid242 will engage the ground to support the tongue 238 and to support theclevis 246 above the surface of the ground to prevent the clevis 246from digging into the ground.

The power winch 162 carries a steel cable 266 wound thereon. The powerwinch 162 is driven by the drive shaft as described above. The powerwinch 162 provides the means for propelling the apparatus 10 over theground when in operation as will be described hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 8 a door 268 is vertically slidably secured to theupper end portion 136 of the duct 128. An elongated slot 270 is formedin the door 268. A threaded stud 272 is suitably secured, as by welding,to the upper end portion 136 of the duct 128 and extends through theslot 270. A wing-nut 274 is threaded on the stud 272 to adjustablysecure the door 269 to the duct 128. The door 268 may be manuallyadjusted up or down, as shown by the arrows, to vary the effectivecross-sectional area of the upper end portion 136 of the duct 128 as maybe desired. When the proper crosssectional area is achieved, thewing-nut 274 may be tightened on the stud 272 thereby securing the door268 to the duct 128.

As shown in FIG. 9, a door 276 is vertically slidably secured to theduct 128 adjacent to the aperture 148 formed therein. A threaded stud278 is suitably secured, as by welding, to the duct 128 and extendstherefrom through an elongated slot 280 formed in the door 276. Awing-nut 282 is threaded on the stud 278. The door 276 may be manuallyadjusted up or down, as shown by the arrows, to vary the effectivecross-sectional area of the aperture 149 of the duct 128 as may bedesired. When the proper cross-sectional area is achieved, the wingnut282 may be tightened on stud 278 thereby securing the door 276 to theduct 128.

FIG. 10 illustrates in detail a typical rock shaft mechanism 48 forproviding height adjustment of the frame assembly 12 relative to theground at each wheel 40. The mechanism 48 includes a hub 284 joumaled onthe outer end of a wheel carrier. The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 10shows installation of the mechanism 48 on a wheel carrier 36. An arm 286extends radially To empty the container 216, the clutch assembly 152 isdisengaged as previously described and the thumb screw 235 is removedfrom the stud 233 of the receptacle assembly 218; The receptacleassembly 18 is removed from the receptacle support 50 by grasping the.handle 236: and withdrawing the receptacle assembly l8 therefrom. Thecover 222 should be slid over the. slot 218 formed in the container 216to prevent accidental spillage of the shot through the slot 218.

To remove the shot from the container 216, the wing nut 232 is looseneda predetermined amount on the stud 230 thereby allowing the bshapedclosure member 238 to be lifted slightly thus permitting the shot toexit through the opening 220 formed in the container 216. When'the shotis removed, the wing nut 232 is again tightened on the stud 230 toretain the closure member 228 securely in the container 216. Thereceptacle assembly 18 is then replaced in the receptacle support 50 andthe wing nut'235 is replaced on the stud 233 to secure the receptacleassembly 18 in the receptacle support 50. It will be readily apparentfrom an inspection of FIG. 7 that, when the receptacle assembly 18 isreplaced in the receptacle support 50, the cover 222 is automaticallyplaced in an open position by means of the engagement of the tab 224thereof with the outer surface of duct 128. This feature prevents theinadvertant operation of the apparatus 10 with the cover 222 of thereceptacle assembly 18 in a closed position. The apparatus 10 is nowagain in condition to continue separating lead shot from soil upon theengagement of the clutch assembly 152 as described above.

When it is desired to discontinue operation of the apparatus 10 and toremove it to a suitable storage site, the clutch assembly 152 isdisengaged and the cable 266 is disconnected from the fixed object towhich it was previously attached. The clutch assembly 152 may then beengaged to cause the power winch 162 to rewind the cable 266 thereon.The clutch assembly 152 should then be disengaged and the motor 150 shotoff. The rock shaft mechanism 48 on each end of the axles 26 and 34should be adjusted to raise the frame assembly 12 upward relative to theground to a point whereby scoop 72 clears the surface of the ground by asufficient amount to permit free travel of the apparatus 10 thereover.The tongue 238 may then be secured to a suitable draft vehicle by meansof the clevis 246 and the apparatus 10 may be drawn thereby to asuitable storage site.

Changes may be made in the. construction and arrangement of parts orelements of the embodiment described herein without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined herein.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for separating pelletized material of relatively highspecific gravity from a heterogeneous granular material of relativelylow specific gravity comprising:

a blower having an inlet portion and an outlet portion;

a duct communicating at one end thereof with the outlet portion of saidblower and having the opposite end thereof extending upwardly from saidblower;

a plurality of spaced parallel bars extending transversely across saidduct and secured thereto;

conduit means communicating with said duct at a point above said barsfor conveying a mixture of said pelletized material and saidheterogeneous granular material into said duct;

receptacle means communicating with said duct at a point below said barsfor receiving and holding said pelletized material which has beenseparated from said granular material; and

drive means connected to said blower for driving said blower and causingair to be blown thereby from the outlet portion thereof through saidduct and over said bars.

2. An apparatus as definedin-claim 1 characterized further to include:

a frame upon which said blower, said duct, said bars, said conduitmeans, said receptacle means, and said drive means are carried, saidframe having a front portion and a rear portion;

material receiving means secured to the front portion of said frame forreceiving said granular material and said pelletized material;

conveyor means carried by said frame and communicating with saidmaterial receiving means for conveying the mixture of said granularmaterial and said pelletized material from said material receivingmeans; and

sifting means communicating between said conveyor means and said conduitmeans for separating excessively large and excessively small pieces andparticles of said granular material from the mixture of said granularmaterial and said pelletized material as the mixture passes therethroughfrom said conveyor means to said conduit means.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said 35 sifting means ischaracterized further to include:

first screen means communicating with said conveyor means for separatingexcessively large pieces of said granular material from the mixture ofsaid granular material and said pelletized material; and

second screen means communicating with said conduit means forreceivingthe mixture of said granular material and said pelletized material andseparating the excessively small particles of said granular materialfrom the mixture of said granular material and said pelletized materialas the mixture passes therethrough to said conduit means.

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 characterized further to include:

support means secured to said frame for supporting said apparatus on theground in a manner providing free movement of said apparatus over theground.

55 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 characterized further toinclude:

propulsion means carried by the frame for propelling said apparatus overthe ground.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5 characterized further to include:

steering means carried by the frame, operatively connected to saidsupport means, and responsive to said propulsion means, for steeringsaid apparatus along a desired path as said apparatus is propelled overthe ground.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said propulsion meanscomprises:

a winch carried by the frame;

a cable having a first end and a second end, said cable being secured atthe first end thereof to said winch;

means operatively interconnecting said winch and said drive means fortransmitting power from said drive means to said winch to wind saidcable thereon; and

means connected to the second end of said cable for securing said cableto a fixed object whereby the winding of said cable on said winchpropels said apparatus toward the fixed object.

8. An apparatus for separating pelletized material of relatively highspecific gravity from a heterogeneous granular material of relativelylow specific gravity comprising:

a blower having an inlet portion and an outlet portron;

duct means communicating at one end thereof with the outlet portion ofsaid blower and having the drive means connected to said blower fordriving said blower and causing air to be blown thereby from the outletportion thereof through said duct means and over said bars.

(3;? UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent 3.69687O Dated October 10, 1972 lhventol-(s) James L. Hinson It is certifiedthat error appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the abstract line 1, after "material" the word "or" '1 shouldread--of-.

In the printed specification, column "7" should be column -9-'--. Column"8" should be column --10--. Column "9" should be column -7-. Column"10" should be column -8-.

Signed and sealed this 6th day of February 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. c 120mm GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissionerof Patents

1. An apparatus for separating pelletized material of relatively highspecific gravity from a heterogeneous granular material of relativelylow specific gravity comprising: a blower having an inlet portion and anoutlet portion; a duct communicating at one end thereof with the outletportion of said blower and having the opposite end thereof extendingupwardly from said blower; a plurality of spaced parallel bars extendingtransversely across said duct and secured thereto; conduit meanscommunicating with said duct at a point above said bars for conveying amixture of said pelletized material and said heterogeneous granularmaterial into said duct; receptacle means communicating with said ductat a point below said bars for receiving and holding said pelletizedmaterial which has been separated from said granular material; and drivemeans connected to said blower for driving said blower and causing airto be blown thereby from the outlet portion thereof through said ductand over said bars.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 characterizedfurther to include: a frame upon which said blower, said duct, saidbars, said conduit means, said receptacle means, and said drive meansare carried, said frame having a front portion and a rear portion;material receiving means secured to the front portion of said frame forreceiving said granular material and said pelletized material; conveyormeans carried by said frame and communicating with said materialreceiving means for conveying the mixture of said granular material andsaid pelletized material from said material receiving means; and siftingmeans communicating between said conveyor means and said conduit meansfor separating excessively large and excessively small pieces andparticles of said granular material from the mixture of said granularmaterial and said pelletized material as the mixtUre passes therethroughfrom said conveyor means to said conduit means.
 3. The apparatus asdefined in claim 2 wherein said sifting means is characterized furtherto include: first screen means communicating with said conveyor meansfor separating excessively large pieces of said granular material fromthe mixture of said granular material and said pelletized material; andsecond screen means communicating with said conduit means for receivingthe mixture of said granular material and said pelletized material andseparating the excessively small particles of said granular materialfrom the mixture of said granular material and said pelletized materialas the mixture passes therethrough to said conduit means.
 4. Theapparatus as defined in claim 2 characterized further to include:support means secured to said frame for supporting said apparatus on theground in a manner providing free movement of said apparatus over theground.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 characterized further toinclude: propulsion means carried by the frame for propelling saidapparatus over the ground.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5characterized further to include: steering means carried by the frame,operatively connected to said support means, and responsive to saidpropulsion means, for steering said apparatus along a desired path assaid apparatus is propelled over the ground.
 7. The apparatus as definedin claim 5 wherein said propulsion means comprises: a winch carried bythe frame; a cable having a first end and a second end, said cable beingsecured at the first end thereof to said winch; means operativelyinterconnecting said winch and said drive means for transmitting powerfrom said drive means to said winch to wind said cable thereon; andmeans connected to the second end of said cable for securing said cableto a fixed object whereby the winding of said cable on said winchpropels said apparatus toward the fixed object.
 8. An apparatus forseparating pelletized material of relatively high specific gravity froma heterogeneous granular material of relatively low specific gravitycomprising: a blower having an inlet portion and an outlet portion; ductmeans communicating at one end thereof with the outlet portion of saidblower and having the opposite end thereof extending upwardly from saidblower for conveying air from the outlet portion of said blower; aplurality of spaced, parallel bars extending transversely across saidduct means and secured thereto; means for feeding a mixture of saidpelletized material and said heterogeneous granular material into saidduct means above said bars; receptacle means communicating with saidduct means at a point below said bars for receiving and holding saidpelletized material which has been separated from said granularmaterial; and drive means connected to said blower for driving saidblower and causing air to be blown thereby from the outlet portionthereof through said duct means and over said bars.